The current economic cycle is the pits if you want to sell, but if you want to buy . . . well, the Magic City is your oyster. I have featured some of these homes before, but they are still on the market, some with price reductions, and some actually in short sale position. It is time to leap, mod babies.

If I had a couple hundred grand burning a hole in my pocket, I would move to this one tomorrow. It's in Mountain Brook and is now a short sale with a suggested price of $434,900, so start working on your offer. Original flooring, built-ins, and a newer Cantley kitchen that was done right.

http://tinyurl.com/3325-Springhill

Another short sale, this one in Vestavia on the golf course. It has a sort of odd addition, but the main house remains very original, with loads of swank. You buy this place and the next Atomic Crash Party is at your house -- guaranteed. Short sale suggested price: $435,999 (was originally listed around 750K, I think). Again, get your offers ready:

http://tinyurl.com/320-Beaumont

Another short sale in Vestavia. 170K is the suggested offer. It looks like there have been some dis-improvements of the big-box variety, but you can fix those. I have driven up to this one and it is on a dead-end street on a fairly private lot. A must see. Really. How do you say no to that fireplace?

http://tinyurl.com/2500-Glendmere

This is one I really need someone to buy. It has been on the market a while now with no price reduction, but it feels like a flip, so I'm guessing that the sellers will be negotiable. Perfect Homewood location, but a big lot and some privacy! Huge rooms, long and lean -- get in there and strip out the big box mistakes and do it up right. $328,000.

http://tinyurl.com/1621-Dobbs-Lane

Now, for some newer listings:

Mountain Brook, $399,900. Built in 1968 and may be the original owner. Definitely worth a look:

http://tinyurl.com/3050-Westmoreland

Vestavia, A-frame, wooded lot, $549,900.

http://tinyurl.com/2201-Gay-Way

Homewood, $399,900, lots of possibilities:

http://tinyurl.com/907-Saulter-Road

Now, a couple in Anniston. Where? Yes, Anniston. At some point in the 1950s, folks with money built some great pads on this road. The first one is a new listing, 5/3+, huge, clean, dramatic view, super original, $299,500.

http://tinyurl.com/539-Hillyer-High-Road

This one is right down the road from the first one. Bigger, and it's been on the market for some time, now with a price reduction to $449,000. Still seems a bit high to me, but this is a LOT of house. I'm thinking it may be empty now -- perhaps an estate -- because the photos in the MLS look to me like they were taken a couple decades ago. Or maybe they moved in in 1959 and never shifted a piece of furniture?